PLANS for new sheltered housing near a historic lane have raised concerns about its appearance and parking spaces.

Soha Housing has consulted neighbours and Wallingford Town Council as it prepares a planning application for a new building in St Alban’s Court.

Residents have been rehomed so the ‘outdated’ bedsit development can be demolished.

The new building would have 23 flats for people aged over 55.

Residents initially raised concerns that the future building would be too close to their homes, leading Soha to change its plans. But concerns remain regarding the design of the new complex.

And parking is another issue with only six spaces proposed.

Mayor Lynda Atkins chaired a town council meeting on Monday night, during which Soha Housing representatives and residents discussed the plans.

She said of Soha’s decision to move the new building: “It’s good to see they were listening.”

But she said the number of parking spaces proposed was inadequate.

She said: “The idea that you get to the age of 55 and decide not to have a car any more is just ridiculous.

“My parents are in their eighties and my dad still drives. Older people need cars to get around.

“That’s going to be a real issue for the site.”

Sue Hendrie, who has lived in Church Lane facing St Alban’s Court for 20 years, said: “We welcome the fact that the building is being moved back.

“We’re still concerned about the height.

“I personally don’t think the design is of a high enough standard.

“I think the way they’re proposing to use the materials, which are red and grey bricks, isn’t going to work in Church Lane.

“It’s going to make it very dark.

“The bricks they would use would be machine-made bricks with quite a dull surface.

“Their proposal to use these not for detailing but in strips is not going to look very nice at all.”

Steve Lynch, Soha’s director of property and development, said: “The bedsits at St Alban’s Court were difficult to let and did not provide the modern standard of accommodation that we aspire to provide.

“The new development will have secure, spacious, energy-efficient apartments with a residents’ lounge and a visiting estates manager.”

Elizabeth Roberts, communications officer at Soha, said Oxfordshire County Council had established rules for how many car parking spaces would be needed for any development.

But Ms Atkins said: “I just think the standard is wrong.

“I don’t know when it was written, but it cannot suggest in this day and age that you can have 23 flats and only six people in there will have a car.”